[LOUISVILLE, KY] May 2, 2026 — Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan was honored to attend the 152nd Kentucky Derby this week in Louisville, Kentucky, taking part in one of the world’s most celebrated traditions. From community outreach and philanthropy to iconic Derby festivities, Cassie’s visit highlighted the spirit, service, and cultural legacy surrounding the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
Derby week began with a visit to Byck Elementary alongside Global Game Changers, a national partner of the Miss America Organization. Joining Cassie were Miss Kentucky 2025 Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky’s Teen 2025 Blakely Callahan, and Kentucky’s own Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry. Together, they spent time with students in the school’s arts program following the students’ recent production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Cassie spoke with students about the importance of creativity and self-expression through the arts while participating in theater vocal and movement activities with the children.
Later that day, Cassie participated in one of Derby week’s most treasured traditions by placing a lily into the iconic Garland of Lilies, which is presented annually to the winner of the Kentucky Oaks.
Friday morning began at the backside of Churchill Downs, where Cassie experienced the energy and excitement of Derby preparations as Oaks and Derby contenders trained at sunrise. Throughout the morning, she participated in a series of media interviews, sharing her excitement about visiting the Bluegrass State and taking part in one of the nation’s most iconic sporting events.
Cassie then attended the Kentucky Oaks, where she walked the Pink Carpet in support of breast and ovarian cancer awareness and in honor of survivors and those impacted by the disease. The Oaks was won by “Always a Runner” before the evening transitioned into the annual Unbridled Eve Gala, where Miss America continued its longstanding tradition of appearing as a celebrity guest.
Held at Louisville’s historic Galt House Hotel, Unbridled Eve brings together philanthropists, entertainers, athletes, and business leaders for one of Derby weekend’s premier charitable events. Since its founding in 2012 by sisters Tammy York Day and Tonya York, the gala has raised more than $5 million benefiting over 45 charitable organizations, including longtime primary beneficiary Blessings in a Backpack, which helps provide weekend meals to children facing food insecurity across the United States.
Derby weekend concluded with a historic moment at the 152nd Kentucky Derby as “Golden Tempo” thundered across the finish line beneath the Twin Spires, making history with the first Kentucky Derby victory by a female trainer.
From the roar beneath the Twin Spires to historic moments on racing’s biggest stage, Miss America’s Derby week appearance placed Cassie at the center of one of the nation’s most iconic cultural celebrations—where tradition, philanthropy, fashion, and history collided at the 152nd Kentucky Derby.